🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Proprietor Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Offensive Signal at Spectators The National Football League has imposed a substantial $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward attendees during a recent contest at MetLife Stadium. Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a decisive win. “That was regrettable. That was kind of an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was brimming with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was completely unintentional, happening amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply showed the wrong finger,” he remarked. “It was inadvertently performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.” League Precedent for Owner Fines This incident isn’t the first time an league proprietor has been fined for misconduct. Recent cases include: Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024. Then Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture. Jones, who is known for his media savvy, possesses an estimated wealth of around $16bn, making the fine manageable for the wealthy owner. Recent Issues and Public Spotlight The incident comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who faced significant criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team traded star defensive player Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a Netflix documentary that explored his role in developing the Dallas franchise into the globe’s highest-worth sports franchise, even with its modern-era title shortcomings. The league’s decision to fine Jones highlights its ongoing effort to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their position or financial standing.